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Plattsburgh, NY – June 9, 2009 - The Development Corporation of Clinton County was pleased to sponsor the second annual Champlain Valley Regional Science Fair held on April 25 at Clinton Community College. Middle and High School participants from around the region presented the results for their research and demonstration projects to judges and the public. Erin Hynes, Economic Developer for The Development Corporation (TDC), praised these students for their efforts, “Science fairs provide students with the opportunity to explore their scientific creativity and hone technical skills-sets that are becoming increasingly important in a marketplace that is demanding more and more hi-tech expertise. The Development Corporation strongly believes that by supporting opportunities for scientific inquiry for students, it is enhancing their future workforce options and encouraging an openness to technology in the community. The Board and staff of TDC are honored to be the sponsor of the Champlain Valley Regional Science Fair and we congratulate all of the students who participated.”

Gib Brown, local meteorologist and retired middle school Earth Science teacher, presented the awards to the students. In the high school research category, first place winners from Plattsburgh High School were Bennett Cyphers and Gaurev Sheni with a project titled "The effects of EMF’s on the Growth of E. coli.” Their teacher mentor was Ms. Shirley Butler who teaches Regents Biology at Plattsburgh High. Second place was captured by Chris Barnes, Rachel Crepeau and Hillary Sponable from Beekmantown High School with their project “Climate Change Rings True” which was mentored by Kathie Fuller. Third Place went to Marcus Mclean and William Price from Peru Central School supported by Ms. Kristen Harnden.

Middle School research winners included Nicholas Danussi and Ryan Musson in first place with a presentation entitled “5 gum Science Fair Project”, followed by Rachel Wnok and Kristine McKinley, all from Beekmantown and sponsored by Anne Marie Baker. Third place went to Samuel LaPointe from Crown Point Middle School sponsoredy by Mike Ligotino. Ellen Kiely and Bret Gudikinst from Crown Point took 1st place in the middle school demonstration category with a project called “Making Paper” supported by their teacher, Kaitlin Fielder. Second place was garnered by Hunter Bishop from Saranac Central School.

The Science Fair was co-sponsored by Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh. “Both institutions wish to thank The Development Corporation, Clinton County for the monetary support to make this valuable experience happen for these students” said science fair co-chair Michele Snyder, associate professor of Math and Science at Clinton Community College. “We have no doubt that this experience will lead many of these students to pursue careers in math and science and we hope that more students and teachers will participate in the Champlain Valley Regional Science Fair in future years.”